August 19, 2014

Celebrating the 1984 Edmonton Oilers

The entire roster of the 1984 Stanley Cup Champion Edmonton Oilers will reunite on October 10 in Edmonton. The Oilers will host a special celebration to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the historic 1984 Stanley Cup victory.

The players, coaches and training staff will be introduced at the Oilers’ game against the Calgary Flames Oct. 9 and there will be a gala charity dinner at Rexall Place Oct. 10 (the Stollery Children’s Hospital is the beneficiary) to reminisce about the team that won the first of five Cups.

Oilers fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the entire 1984 Championship team and staff, including Oilers legends Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Glenn Anderson and Glen Sather, as they reunite in Edmonton on October 10 to participate in the 1984 Stanley Cup Reunion event, an evening of storytelling and memory sharing at Rexall Place.

"Winning the first Stanley Cup in 1984 was a huge moment for everyone on the team. We gave everything we had that year and it took a monumental team effort to dethrone the Islanders," said Wayne Gretzky. "It is going to be amazing to see everyone again, the first time we've all been together since 1984. I can't wait to be in Edmonton and share stories and many great memories with our fans."

The idea for the celebration was spearheaded by Gretzky, and coordinated by Kevin Lowe.

“One of the great things about being a professional hockey player is the fond memories that you have over the years and the friendships that you develop,” Gretzky said via videoconference Tuesday. “Kevin (Lowe) and I lived for a lot of years together in Edmonton and when I saw him this winter, I started thinking about doing something really unique and something really special. The Oilers and the city of Edmonton have always been leaders in doing things that are innovative.”

“Fans are going to get the experience and opportunity to hear some stories,” Gretzky said. “They’re going to hear maybe stories that they haven’t heard in the past. I have people come up to me now and tell me that their grandfather never missed a game.

"The 1984 team was the people's team, Edmonton's team, and the whole City played a part in making us champions. It was a historic occasion for the City of Edmonton and the National Hockey League," said Lowe. "It's only fitting we invite fans back to where the magic happened to celebrate with an evening of intimate storytelling, entertainment and interaction with the team."

There is no indication that former owner Peter Pocklington has been invited. Defenseman Charlie Huddy, now an assistant coach in Winnipeg, will not be on hand for the pre-game introductions on October 9th, but will be in attendance for the Gala Event on the 10th. Raimo Summanen, who works in the KHL, may also have a conflict at this time.

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